Conference Subjects

SUBJECT 1:
MATERIAL STUDIES, NEW CONCEPTS AND ULTRA-HIGH EFFICIENCY

• 1.1 Fundamental Material Studies
  Theoretical studies and visions, new measurement techniques and equipment including standards, modelling and simulation, PV and hydrogen.
• 1.2 New Materials, Cells and Modules
  Nanotechnologies and quantum effects, new cell and module concepts, new substrates, interconnections and encapsulation, thermophotovoltaics, LED-related issues.
• 1.3 Solar Cells, Modules and PV Systems for Space Applications
  Materials and processing for space cells and modules, thin film alternatives, issues related to heat evacuation, stability and lifetime, reliability and performance.
• 1.4 Terrestrial Concentrator Systems
  Materials and processing for cells and modules for terrestrial concentrator applications, alignment, measurements of cells, devices and system performance including standards, tracking and reliability.

• 2.1 Silicon Feedstock, Crystallisation and Wafering
  Efficient production technologies for silicon and wafers, solar grade silicon properties and specs, testing, performance, costs.
• 2.2 Silicon Solar Cell Improvements
  Device concepts and processes for wafers, sheets and ribbons.
• 2.3 Silicon Solar Cell Characterisation and Modelling
  Measurements and modelling.
• 2.4 Manufacturing Issues and Processing
  Handling and automation, in-line monitoring, safety, waste treatment, economies of scale.

• 3.1 Thin Film Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells
  Theoretical studies, process technologies for thin film crystalline silicon materials and solar cells, characterisation, manufacturing and up-scaling technologies, testing, performance.
• 3.2 Amorphous and Microcrystalline Silicon Solar Cells
  Theoretical studies, process technologies for amorphous and microcrystalline silicon cells and modules, characterisation, aspects of high volume and large area manufacturing, testing, performance.
• 3.3 CdTe, CIS and Related Ternary and Quaternary Thin Film Solar Cells
  Theoretical studies, process technologies for thin film CdTe, CIS and related solar cells and modules, characterisation of materials and devices, manufacturing and up-scaling technologies, testing, performance.
• 3.4 Organic-based PV
  Polymer PV and hybrid approaches, dye-sensitised cells and modules, graphene and other use of organic materials, stability aspects.

• 4.1 PV Modules
  Module design and manufacturing technology, quality and safety, product life time, aging; Non-standardised measurements and testing, energy rating; Materials for PV modules.
• 4.2 Balance of System Components
  Inverters and grid interfacing, batteries, charge regulators, mounting structures, trackers, cabling, measurements and testing, and regulations.
• 4.3 Standardisation
  Current standards for PV cells and modules: lifetime testing, power rating, design, measurement uncertainties, traceability; Prenormative standards; Solar radiation: solar radiation measurements, instrument calibration.

SUBJECT 5:
PV SYSTEMS

• 5.1 Large PV Power Plants and Distributed PV: System Aspects and Grid Connection
  Planning, installation, safety and grid interfacing, auxiliary grid services, monitoring and performance, cost analyses, success stories of projects and lessons learned.
• 5.2 PV and Architecture
  PV in buildings and urban planning, landscaping, public acceptance and building regulations.
• 5.3 Off-grid Applications
  Stand-alone and hybrid systems, minigrids, PV for communication, lighting, rural electrification.

• 6.1 Markets
  Market assessment and projections (grid parity), financing and investment (from roof top to utility scale), economics and cost development.
• 6.2 PV in the Electricity Mix
  Transmission and distribution systems, operator issues, infrastructure, storage, management and control systems; Combination with other renewable sources, national and European regulations and strategies.
• 6.3 Sustainability Aspects
  Life cycle analyses, sustainability aspects of cells, modules, and components and systems (e.g. energy payback time, raw materials availability and usage), recycling and waste management, water use.
• 6.4 PV Globalisation, Policies and Administrative Barriers
  Awareness campaigns, communication methods and tools, education and training, job creation and globalisation. R&D strategies and programmes, international cooperation and partnerships, market stimulation policies.